While the spice is typically used in its powder form, turmeric oil has some benefits of its own, working as an effective antifungal Antifungal activity of Curcuma longa grown in Thailand. Wuthi-udomlert, M., Grisanapan, W., Luanratana, O., et. al. Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, 2000; 31(1): 178-82.. And some holistic medicine advocates believe tumeric oil (sold in health food stores) can also help relieve anxiety and stress through aromatherapy and rev up sex drive when added to food. (Time to get things heated up!).

Mellow Yellow — Your Action Plan

In its bright yellow powder form, turmeric transfers that vibrant yellow tone to the foods it flavors. With an earthy taste (but not super spicy), turmeric adds a tang to curries and bean and rice dishes. But besides dinnertime, it can also be used as a natural dye for Easter eggs or baked goods. Pair it with black pepper to pump up curcumin’s antioxidant benefits Piperine as an adjuvant increases the efficacy of curcumin in mitigating benzo(a)pyrene toxicity. Sehgal, A., Kumar, M., Jain, M., et. al. Penjab University, Chandigarh, India. Journal of Human and Experimental Toxicology, 2011.. If the plain yellow stuff is nowhere to be found, try curry powder — a blend of turmeric and other Indian spices like coriander, fenugreek (we'd never heard of it either), and cumin — as a stand-in.

Though it can take the heat, turmeric can be used out of the kitchen. Apply a pinch to minor cuts to help stop the bleeding and to help disinfect. Or make a mask out of the powder, some lemon juice, and honey for clear skin. Turmeric paste, a mixture of powder and water, can also take care of pesky pimples Formulation and comparative evaluation of poly herbal anti-acne face wash gels. Rasheed, A., Avinash Kumar Reddy, G., Mohanalakshmi, S., et. al. Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Sree Vidyanikethan College of Pharmacy, Andhra Pradesh, India. Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology, 2011; 49(8); 771-4..